Lance Berkman stands at the plate during the College World Series on May 30, 1997. LSU defeated Rice 5-4 en route to the national championship. Later that summer, Berkman was drafted by the Astros with the 16th pick in the first round of the 1997 MLB Draft. less

Lance Berkman stands at the plate during the College World Series on May 30, 1997. LSU defeated Rice 5-4 en route to the national championship. Later that summer, Berkman was drafted by the Astros with the 16th ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Lance Berkman stands at the plate during the College World Series... Photo-1248973.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman adjusted well to the life of a professional ballplayer while in the minor leagues. "He doesn't have a big head or anything," said then-manager Jim Pankovits of the Class AA Jackson Generals in 1999. "He's got everything he needs to play in the big leagues." less

Berkman adjusted well to the life of a professional ballplayer while in the minor leagues. "He doesn't have a big head or anything," said then-manager Jim Pankovits of the Class AA Jackson Generals in 1999. ... more

Photo: Steve Campbell, Houston Chronicle

Berkman adjusted well to the life of a professional ballplayer... Photo-1248974.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman looks around the spacious confines of the Astrodome during batting practice July 16, 1999, the day he was called up to replace an injured Carl Everett on the Astros' roster.

Berkman looks around the spacious confines of the Astrodome during batting practice July 16, 1999, the day he was called up to replace an injured Carl Everett on the Astros' roster.

Berkman watches a seventh-inning grand slam against the Minnesota Twins on June 14, 2001, in Minneapolis. In his first full season with the Astros, Berkman led the National League with 55 doubles. He also was the first switch-hitter with 50 doubles and 30 home runs in one season. less

Berkman watches a seventh-inning grand slam against the Minnesota Twins on June 14, 2001, in Minneapolis. In his first full season with the Astros, Berkman led the National League with 55 doubles. He also was ... more

Berkman puts an arm around former teammate Julio Lugo, middle, as then-Texas Rangers catcher and current teammate Ivan Rodriguez, right, looks on after Berkman hit a three-run homer on June 29, 2002, in Arlington. less

Berkman puts an arm around former teammate Julio Lugo, middle, as then-Texas Rangers catcher and current teammate Ivan Rodriguez, right, looks on after Berkman hit a three-run homer on June 29, 2002, in ... more

Berkman stands in left field as the Minute Maid Park roof opens during the Astros' game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 28, 2003. Berkman helped open the city's first retractable-roof stadium (then called Enron Field) in 2000. less

Berkman stands in left field as the Minute Maid Park roof opens during the Astros' game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sept. 28, 2003. Berkman helped open the city's first retractable-roof stadium (then ... more

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Berkman stands in left field as the Minute Maid Park roof opens... Photo-1248981.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 23, 2003, in Houston.

Berkman reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the San Francisco Giants on Sept. 23, 2003, in Houston.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

Berkman reacts after striking out with the bases loaded against the... Photo-1248982.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman reacts after being called out at home on a tag by the San Diego Padres' Sean Burroughs on Aug. 30, 2003, in Houston. Berkman had just 25 homers and 93 RBIs in 2003, two of the lower totals posted by the perennial All-Star during his career. less

Berkman reacts after being called out at home on a tag by the San Diego Padres' Sean Burroughs on Aug. 30, 2003, in Houston. Berkman had just 25 homers and 93 RBIs in 2003, two of the lower totals posted by the ... more

Photo: BRETT COOMER, AP

Berkman reacts after being called out at home on a tag by the San... Photo-1248983.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman picks up second base for Craig Biggio after Biggio's 500th double during the Astros' game against the Reds on July 11, 2003, at Minute Maid Park.

Berkman picks up second base for Craig Biggio after Biggio's 500th double during the Astros' game against the Reds on July 11, 2003, at Minute Maid Park.

Biggio sits in the dugout with the second base that Berkman grabbed for him after hitting his 500th career double. Biggio, Berkman and Jeff Bagwell formed the Killer Bs of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Biggio sits in the dugout with the second base that Berkman grabbed for him after hitting his 500th career double. Biggio, Berkman and Jeff Bagwell formed the Killer Bs of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Photo: Karen Warren, HOUSTON CHRONICLE

Biggio sits in the dugout with the second base that Berkman grabbed... Photo-1248985.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman and former Astros pitcher Roger Clemens, right, throw out the first pitches during the Minute Maid Classic featuring Rice and Texas on Feb. 14, 2004, at Minute Maid.

Berkman and former Astros pitcher Roger Clemens, right, throw out the first pitches during the Minute Maid Classic featuring Rice and Texas on Feb. 14, 2004, at Minute Maid.

Berkman and Barry Bonds, left, share a light moment during National League batting practice July 13, 2004, prior to the All-Star Game in Houston. Bonds holds the MLB records for career home runs (762) and single-season homers (72). less

Berkman and Barry Bonds, left, share a light moment during National League batting practice July 13, 2004, prior to the All-Star Game in Houston. Bonds holds the MLB records for career home runs (762) and ... more

Berkman is congratulated in the dugout after a home run against the Atlanta Braves during Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Oct. 6, 2004, at Turner Field in Atlanta. The Astros won the game 9-3 en route to a 3-2 series victory. less

Berkman is congratulated in the dugout after a home run against the Atlanta Braves during Game 1 of the National League Division Series on Oct. 6, 2004, at Turner Field in Atlanta. The Astros won the game 9-3 ... more

Photo: CHRIS O'MEARA, AP

Berkman is congratulated in the dugout after a home run against the... Photo-1248990.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Beltran, left, celebrates with Berkman after defeating the Braves 12-3 in Game 5 of the NLDS on Oct. 11, 2004. The pair were the Astros' hottest hitters during the playoffs that year.

Beltran, left, celebrates with Berkman after defeating the Braves 12-3 in Game 5 of the NLDS on Oct. 11, 2004. The pair were the Astros' hottest hitters during the playoffs that year.

Biggio, left, and former Astro Chris Burke (2) celebrate with Berkman after his three-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Oct. 17, 2005, at Minute Maid Park. Down 3-1 in the series going in, the Cardinals staved off elimination for two more days with a 5-4 win. less

Biggio, left, and former Astro Chris Burke (2) celebrate with Berkman after his three-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Oct. 17, 2005, at ... more

Former Astros player Jose Vizcaino, left, and Berkman walk off the field after the Astros lost 7-6 to the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 23, 2005, in Chicago. The White Sox went on to sweep the Astros for their first World Series championship since 1917. less

Former Astros player Jose Vizcaino, left, and Berkman walk off the field after the Astros lost 7-6 to the Chicago White Sox in Game 2 of the World Series on Oct. 23, 2005, in Chicago. The White Sox went on to ... more

Burke, left, and former Astros infielder Adam Everett, right, flank Berkman as they hold the National League Championship trophy they helped claim after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 in Game 6 of the NLCS on Oct. 19, 2005, in St. Louis. less

Burke, left, and former Astros infielder Adam Everett, right, flank Berkman as they hold the National League Championship trophy they helped claim after defeating the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 in Game 6 of the ... more

A fan holds up a sign proclaiming how he - and most Astros fans- feels about Berkman during a game July 7, 2006, against the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

A fan holds up a sign proclaiming how he - and most Astros fans- feels about Berkman during a game July 7, 2006, against the Cardinals at Minute Maid Park.

Photo: KAREN WARREN, Houston Chronicle

A fan holds up a sign proclaiming how he - and most Astros fans-... Photo-1248995.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman, second from right, is congratulated by teammates after hitting a three-run home run against Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo on July 26, 2006, in Houston. Berkman set a club record with 136 RBIs and again finished third in NL MVP voting in 2006. less

Berkman, second from right, is congratulated by teammates after hitting a three-run home run against Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo on July 26, 2006, in Houston. Berkman set a club record with 136 RBIs and again ... more

Photo: Jessica Kourkounis, For The Chronicle

Berkman, second from right, is congratulated by teammates after... Photo-1248996.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Taboola Gallery Frame Item-85307.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Former Astros closer Brad Lidge (54) gets a high-five from Berkman after closing out the Cardinals for a save Aug. 30, 2007, in Houston.

Former Astros closer Brad Lidge (54) gets a high-five from Berkman after closing out the Cardinals for a save Aug. 30, 2007, in Houston.

Hannah Berkman, right, and Chandler Maloney run the bases at Minute Maid Park as the smoke from the final Friday Night Fireworks dissipates after the Astros' win against the Braves on Sept. 26, 2008. Hannah, 7, is the oldest of Berkman's four daughters, all born during his playing days with the Astros. The youngest, Abigail Primm, was born June 22. less

Hannah Berkman, right, and Chandler Maloney run the bases at Minute Maid Park as the smoke from the final Friday Night Fireworks dissipates after the Astros' win against the Braves on Sept. 26, 2008. Hannah, 7, ... more

Berkman sports a green hat for Earth Day as he fields a ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 22 at Minute Maid Park.

Berkman sports a green hat for Earth Day as he fields a ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 22 at Minute Maid Park.

Photo: Michael Paulsen, Chronicle

Berkman sports a green hat for Earth Day as he fields a ball... Photo-1249002.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman poses for a pet calendar with Tito, a Houston Humane Society dog, before practice May 21 in Houston. The calendar featuring Astros baseball players and either their own pets or animals like Tito are used to help promote pet adoptions. less

Berkman poses for a pet calendar with Tito, a Houston Humane Society dog, before practice May 21 in Houston. The calendar featuring Astros baseball players and either their own pets or animals like Tito are ... more

Berkman, right, pleads his case with umpire Mike Reilly as Astros manager Cecil Cooper argues with home plate umpire Delfin Colon, back left, during a game against the Brewers on May 21 in Houston. Colon threw both Berkman and Cooper out of the game after calling Berkman out on a close play at the plate. less

Berkman, right, pleads his case with umpire Mike Reilly as Astros manager Cecil Cooper argues with home plate umpire Delfin Colon, back left, during a game against the Brewers on May 21 in Houston. Colon threw ... more

Berkman celebrates with teammates Michael Bourn, middle, and Kazuo Matsui, right, after hitting a three-run home run against the Rangers on May 22 at Minute Maid. Berkman had 18 homers before the All-Star break, putting him on pace for 34 this season. He had 29 last season and 34 in 2007. less

Berkman celebrates with teammates Michael Bourn, middle, and Kazuo Matsui, right, after hitting a three-run home run against the Rangers on May 22 at Minute Maid. Berkman had 18 homers before the All-Star ... more

Berkman blows a bubble during the second inning against the Rangers on May 22. Berkman had six errors on the season before the All-Star break, one more than in the previous two seasons combined.

Berkman blows a bubble during the second inning against the Rangers on May 22. Berkman had six errors on the season before the All-Star break, one more than in the previous two seasons combined.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Chronicle

Berkman blows a bubble during the second inning against the Rangers... Photo-1249006.17971 - Houston Chronicle

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Berkman tips his cap to the crowd as he is recognized for his 300th career home run before playing the Kansas City Royals on June 23 at Minute Maid Park. Bagwell is the only other Astros player to reach that milestone. less

Berkman tips his cap to the crowd as he is recognized for his 300th career home run before playing the Kansas City Royals on June 23 at Minute Maid Park. Bagwell is the only other Astros player to reach that ... more

Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle

Berkman tips his cap to the crowd as he is recognized for his 300th... Photo-1249007.17971 - Houston Chronicle